Crutch and sitting device

ABSTRACT

Devices for improvement of the basic crutch, cane, and ambulatory aids to provide needed support to ameliorate potential injuries and improve ambulation for persons suffering from injured lower limbs, lumbar region or other injuries, and who frequently require using crutches for mobility. Normally, the conventional crutches require more energy from the user than merely walking, and frequently, a crutch user may require rest. Prior crutch systems have not provided a convenient way to provide the user with such rest. Also, we show crutch support in sitting position that works as a simple and handy decompression system for herniated or bulged discs and injured/weak back muscles. An integrated crutch and walker system is described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a CIP of application Ser. No. 16/405,980 filed onMay 7, 2019, which is a CIP of application Ser. No. 15/849,631 filed onApr. 17, 2019, which is a CIP of application Ser. No. 14/641,313, filedon Mar. 7, 2015. We claim priority on the above filing date. Weincorporate by reference all the teachings of the above applications inthis application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reduced or inhibited mobility presents a significant problem for manypeople. Whether it is an injury to the leg, hip, wrist, lumbar, or theresult of increased age, mechanical devices are often used for assistingthe user to enhance their mobility. Canes, crutches, walking sticks andvarious other devices have been in use for a considerable time. However,the functional design of these devices has remained substantially thesame. Unfortunately, for the user, these devices are often cumbersome,uncomfortable, and difficult to use in slippery surface situations anddo not support the user's back adequately in the standing or seatedposition.

Persons suffering from injured lower limbs are frequently required touse crutches for mobility. However, crutches require more energy fromthe user than merely walking, and frequently, a crutch user may requirerest. Prior crutch systems have not provided a convenient way to providethe user with such rest, and correct positioning for wrists, whichnecessitate support to the back and lower lumbar region. This support isimportant to the crutch user in both the standing and seated position.

It would also be advantageous for a crutch, or similarly constructedwalking aid, to provide greater comfort for the user. It would befurther advantageous for the walking aid to utilize the user's energy tomechanically assist the user, while walking. Furthermore, it would beadvantageous for a walking aid to provide enhanced grip on slipperyand/or uneven surfaces. It also would be advantageous for walking aid toprovide an ergonomic handle that provide a correct hand rest and wristpositioning.

While various modifications have been attempted, there is presently nocrutch that incorporates the appropriate ergonomic structure in alight-weight, sure gripping, user friendly, shock absorbing, ergonomichandle, and collapsible format. Now, we introduce different embodimentsof our inventions:

The current invention is designed to ameliorate many health problemscaused and exacerbated by the classic crutch design and provide thelight-weight, sure gripping, user friendly, shock absorbing, ergonomichandle, and collapsible format that users need. This current inventionis also designed to provide the support to the back a crutch userrequires in both the standing and seated positions.

The injuries resulting from the traditional crutch use are in part dueto the fact that patients overly rely upon the underarm portion tosupport the body weight. The invention here is designed to takeconsiderable pressure from the underarm portion and support the bodyweight of the user ergonomically. This crutch is designed for thecontour of the shape of the axilla. This minimizes potential underarmnerve injuries, like neuropraxia, and even complete paralysis of thearm. The design also ensures that the pressing weight of the body is notsolely directly on the axilla, thus, minimizing the occurrence of musclestrain of the arms and shoulders, as well as joint pain to theshoulders.

Additionally, this improved crutch design minimizes and reduces injuriesto the hand and wrist. The hand grip is contoured to fit a patient'spalm, designed to maintain the hand and wrist in a neutral position,when the crutches are in use or at a e.g. 5 to 25 degree angle duringambulation. The general construction and design of existing crutch handgrips does not provide the correct ergonomic orientation between thewrist and forearm, even though padding may be present.

Failure to achieve correct alignment and padding in the palmar area canresult in disorders of wear and tear, including overuse syndromes,repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, and compressiveneuropathies. Common injuries resulting in such usage include: carpaltunnel syndrome, wrist tendonitis, medial or lateral elbowepicondylitis, and rotator cuff muscle strains and tears. Thesedisorders appear to be more common in the chronic crutch user, and arethe result of repeated stresses on a particular musculoskeletal area.Thus, none of the traditional crutch constructions effectively supportthe users' body weight or torso in a comfortable manner so that they areable to walk using minimal energy with maximal comfort.

The following prior art references describe adjustable crutches,ergonomic cushions and hand grips and curved crutch tips. These priorart references, attempt to, but do not comprehensively solve the issuesdescribed above, and nor do these crutches provide ergonomic backsupport and spine decompression to a user who is seated. Further, theseadjustable features of the prior art are generally to support storagethe crutch after use. However, the adjustability of the inventionfacilitates a shorter support embodiment to support the user, whileseated.

No other prior art has solved these problems this way and thisefficiently.

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an orthopedicdevice to improve mobility and orthopedic support, while seated. Morespecifically, various embodiments of the present invention relate tomulti-stage collapsible crutches that supports while both standing andseated.

Some of the prior art for the adjustable crutches are:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,548 teaches a walking aid support which includes anembodiment that comprises an oval shaped bottom and a downwardly angledslit. This support is configured facilitating walking and providingsupport in rough terrain.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,579 teaches an adjustable crutch designed to addressthree documented hazards or situations that may cause the crutch user tofall and injure themselves, however, it does not teach the support andamelioration of injuries to the underarm and hand, nor does it supportthe seated user.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,470 teaches an adjustable crutch designed to supportan infirmed person's weight, while standing, but does not support theperson's weight, while seated.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,704 teaches a power adjustable crutch assembly forassisting a user in transitioning between a seated position and astanding position. The assembly includes a support configured forpositioning under an arm of a user. An upper frame is coupled to andextends downwardly from the support. A lower frame is in slide formcoupled to the upper frame. An adjustment assembly is operationallycoupled to the lower frame and the upper frame. It does not claimsupport for the user while seated, and as with most adjustable crutches,the adjustable characteristic is for ease of storage and/or usage in thestanding position, not to support while seated.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,745, an adjustable crutch, includes upper and lowerassemblies which are in slide format interconnected with one another andconstructed of hollow aluminum pipes, or tubing, interconnected by glassor fiber-reinforced nylon members. The present invention hassignificantly more features to ensure the safety of the user and thethree sliding members per staff allows the crutch to support the user inthe seated position.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,360,547 is for a walking assist device which includes anelongate shaft having an adjustable length, a handle detachablyconnected to a proximal end of the elongate shaft, and a curved elongatebase that mate to and engages a distal end of the elongate shaft.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,537,017 teaches a shoulder support assembly for anadjustable crutch. The shoulder support assembly is geared to solve manyof the health issues connected to the usage of the standard crutch, butdoes provide adequate support, and it lacks the obvious advantages of astandard adjustable crutch.

Deficiencies of the embodiments in these prior art references documentedabove are their lack of ability to balance mobility, walking steadiness,support the back while seated, and prevent tripping.

US Patent Application 2013/0263901 teaches a handgrip for a crutch that,unlike the claimed design, is offset from the plane of the crutch inboth forward and rear end of the grip.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,776,321 teaches an ergonomic hand grip that providesshock absorption and reduces fatigue. More specifically, the presenttechnology is a hand grip of varying thickness to permit support, whilealso absorbing shock and vibration.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,950,415 teaches a crutch system pertaining to assemblyand disassembly purposes, and the assembly and the disassembly of thecrutch system adapted to be done in a simple, safe, rapid and economicalmanner.

So, no other prior art has solved these problems this way and thisefficiently, as described below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method and a device as an improvement for thetraditional crutch and its usage is disclosed. The current invention hasthe design and function that far exceeds those of a traditionalcrutch/walking/sitting aid. It deals particularly with a morecomfortable construction in crutch design. This invention is designed toprovide help and relief for more effective ambulation and improvedposture, for disabled as well as pre- and post-operative population,e.g., patients with chronic herniated or bulging discs.

The present invention provides for a crutch base that addresses threehazards of the typical crutch:

1) losing balance on a slippery surface caused by the tip sliding outfrom underneath;

2) hitting an object or an obstacle on the ground with the walkercausing the user to continue in motion through inertia, while the walkeris stopped by the obstacle; and

3) being restricted by the walker as the person moves forward or slipsbackward as he/she grabs onto the walker for support, but the walker isinsufficiently flexible to move with the person. A first embodiment ofthe present invention is configured for persons with a relatively severehandicap and limited moving dexterity, generally unable to walk withouta walking aid. This embodiment is configured for providing stability inbumpy or slippery walking terrains under a number of adverse situationsthat may occur. A second embodiment of the present invention isconfigured for use by persons who are not severely handicapped and use awalking aid, possibly for optional support, if, for example, one leg issore or injured. Such a person would desire flexibility and only minimummovement restriction from the use of the walking aid.

The invention is also adjustable and allows the user to support his/herbody weight in the seated position. This allows for more effective restand reduces stress on the lumbar region. This is important anddistinguishes this invention from the prior art. Using this design inthe seated position elevates the upper body such that the user's upperbody weight does add significant pressures to the lower back and spine.Thus, elevating and elongating the upper body reduces the pressure andstress to the lower body reducing the possibility of injury or worseninginjuries, such as herniated discs and bulging discs, by decompressingthe spine and alleviate upper body weight pressure on injured discs. Thelower back is vulnerable to body weight pressures, while standing andseated, and this design minimizes those harmful pressures. This designalso effectively supports the user's body weight/torso in a comfortablestanding position so that the user is able to walk using minimal energywith maximal comfort.

In addition to supporting the user in ambulation and in the seatedposition, the design of the underarm cushion reduces stress and injury.This crutch cushion is designed to contour to shape of the axilla. Thecombination of the cushion form and special soft memory foam used in itminimizes potential underarm nerve injuries like neuropraxia, and evencomplete paralysis of the arm. The design also ensures that the pressingweight of the body is not directly on the axilla, thus minimizing theoccurrence of muscle strain of the arms and shoulders, as well as jointpain to the shoulders.

Furthermore, the hand grip is contoured to fit a patient's palm anddesigned to maintain the hand and wrist in a neutral position when thecrutches are in use or at a e.g. 5 to 25 degree angle during ambulation.The general construction and design of existing crutch hand grips doesnot provide the correct ergonomic orientation between the wrist andforearm, even though padding may be present. Failure to achieve correctalignment and padding in the palmar area can result in disorders of wearand tear, including overuse syndromes, repetitive strain injuries,musculoskeletal injuries, and compressive neuropathies. Common injuriesresulting from such usage include: carpal tunnel syndrome, wristtendonitis, medial or lateral elbow epicondylitis, and rotator cuffmuscle strains and tears. These disorders appear to be more common inthe chronic crutch user, and are the result of repeated stresses on aparticular musculoskeletal area. Thus, this improved crutch designreduces injuries in ambulation, injuries to the hand through improvedhandgrips, and injures of the axilla, due to breathable gel and foamcushioning, and provides the user support and rest, while using thecrutch, while seated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a two-part detachable crutch with special ergonomic handleand cushion that is positioned toward the rear.

FIG. 2 shows a different design that has a curve in top segment of thecrutch to provide more space between two crutches around the waist areafor people with large/wide hip.

FIG. 3 shows two small caps which can be used after detaching the toppart to prevent the bottom end pipes from piercing or denting thesitting surfaces.

FIG. 4 shows a totally detachable crutch.

FIG. 5 shows a mold for creating an alternative embodiment of thehandle.

FIG. 6 shows a front perspective view of the handle of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of the handle of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a cane formed in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a forearm crutch formed inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a rubber tip for a caneformed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of yet another forearm crutchformed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a walker having a storage pouch attachment.

FIG. 13 shows the storage pouch attachment.

FIG. 14 shows a walker using a telescoping crutch as a replacementhandle in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show a walker modified using the crutch shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 17 shows the crutch used for modifying the walkers.

FIG. 18 shows a detail of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 19-20 show another crutch embodiment.

FIG. 21 shows the crutch of FIGS. 19-20 used with a walker.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the completed handle of FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 24 shows a comparison of user stress using the handle of theinvention and a prior art handle.

FIG. 25A-25H show several completed handles made using the moldillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 26 shows another comparison of user stress using the handle of theinvention and a prior art handle.

FIG. 27 shows the handle formed in accordance with the inventive methodused on a crutch.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a shock absorbing tip for acrutch/cane.

FIG. 29 shows the tip of FIG. 28 used on a cane.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a base of a crutch that can be used for walking onvarious non-paved surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A method and various devices as improvements for the traditional crutchand its usage is disclosed. The current invention has the design andfunction that far exceeds those of a traditional crutch/walking/sittingaid. It deals particularly with a more comfortable construction incrutch design. This invention is designed to provide help and relief formore effective ambulation and improved posture, for disabled as well aspre- and post-operative population, e.g., patients with chronicherniated or bulging discs.

FIG. 1 shows a two-part detachable crutch 100 with a special ergonomichandle 102 and cushion 103 that sits or is positioned toward the rear104. The top portion 106 can be slidably received in the bottom portion108 with a fitting 110 which can be tightened to secure the relativepositions of top and bottom in the well known manner. FIG. 2 shows adifferent design 111 that has a curve 7002 in the top part/segment 112of the crutch to provide more space between two crutches around thewaist area for people with large/wide hips.

FIG. 3 shows two small caps 7001 which can be used after detaching thetop part to prevent the bottom end pipes 114 from piercing/denting thesitting surfaces. FIG. 4 shows a user using the detachable crutch 100,111 of FIGS. 2 and 3 in the sitting position, to stretch the upper bodyor decompression of back/spine, which is a secondary use of the crutch100.

The pair of crutches 100, 111 are designed for usage in the sittingposition, in addition to standing and walking positions. This apparatus100, 111 can adjust to about one third of the regular height in order toallow the user to use them in the sitting position to prop up theirtorso, therefore, it takes most of the upper body weight off the backand lower spine, in which it helps the user with back injury in sittingposition. Each one of the crutches 100, 111 has two segments thattelescopically slide into each other, in order to adjust to the heightbetween a supporting sitting surface, such as chair, to the underarm orarmpit of the user, while the user is in the sitting position.

This function helps patients with back and spine injury that are havinga hard time to sit and encountering lots of pain, as all the upper bodyweight is bearing on lower injured back, while sitting. This functionalso creates a traction system in sitting position, as the adjustedcrutch pushes up the user's body/torso against the gravity force,therefore, helps to reduce the spine pressure over possible bulge discsand pinching nerves, which cause pain and numbness in body, and alsoimproves postural alignment, while seated. The pair of crutches alsohave an ergonomic grip that eases the handling process and reduces thepressure on the wrist (and allows/encourages the user to distribute someof the weight on the handles, instead of leaving all the weight on thevulnerable under arm area).

Some of the features are as follows:

A pair of multi-functional crutches comprising of underarm cushions andthree body segments which telescopically slide into each other totransform the regular crutch to a sitting crutch for patients who mayhave difficulty and pain, while sitting, due to the body weight pressureon the injured back and spine. It also has the new ergonomic handledesign 500 which helps user to bear most of the user's weight on thepalm of her hands, and not on her wrists.

The material and size of the system or apparatus described here can bewidely diverse and different, e.g., made of wood, plastic, elastic,rubber, artificial materials, partially wool for cover (or fabric),glass, fiber glass, crystal, metal, alloy, carbon, carbon fiber,polymers, ceramic, transparent materials, translucent materials, gluedmaterials, layered or stacked materials, or the like, and e.g., forsizes from about 0.25 ft as lower end of the range, to 6 ft, as upperrange or values, in overall length and height, or from a few mm to a fewinches for other dimensions for components and connections/connectors,in the images shown, just as examples. However, these numbers andmaterials are just examples, and not limiting the invention by anymeans, in spec or figures or for any purpose.

FIG. 5 shows a mold apparatus exemplifying the method of forming a mold498 and the subsequent crutch handle 500 produced thereby. The shape ofthe mold 498 is determined by creating, on a user by user basispreferably, an impression formed of a compressible molding materialgrasped by the intended user. A scan of the molding material formed bythe user's hand impression is then taken and the digital results areused to create the crutch handle 500. This is done for both the user'sright and left hands.

FIGS. 6-11 show the handle 500 made as described above for a cane orcrutch used in various settings. The handle 500 consists of two mainparts: an inner ribbed structure 550 and an outer soft covering. Thesolid, ribbed material 550 in the core of the grip provides a sturdybase for support and enables the overall mass and volume of the grip 500to extend outward from the crutch 100, 111. It is composed ofhigh-density acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a material known forits toughness and impact resistance. The complexity of the innerstructure 550 allows for adjusting the axis and angle to best match thearm and hand's natural posture.

The outer cover 552 (see especially FIG. 22) is composed of texturedthermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is both durable and pliant. Toughbut supple, the TPE minimizes pressure to users' fingers. The handle's500 much larger surface area provides more ergonomic support and a morecomfortable hand rest.

The location and angle of the ergonomic grip 500 within the overallcrutch structure creates two unique aspects which allow betterpositioning of the hand. First, unlike conventional crutches, theergonomic grip or handle 500 sits outside of the plane of the rest ofthe crutch 100. This location prevents the patient from twisting theirhand and wrist inward and their elbow outward in order to hang onto thecrutch. Second, the handle itself is set with a slight downward slopefrom back to front, akin to the natural angle of a person's fist as itrests by their side. This keeps the patient from twisting their hand andwrist upward as they hold the crutch. Overall, the grip is positioned sothat the patient's hand and arm sit in a natural position as they holdthe crutch.

Supportive Hand Rest

The shape of the inventive grip 500 was designed to perfectly fit theshape of the hand. The molded fit allows the hand to maintain a naturalshape when holding on to the handle, with even points of contact acrossthe palm and all fingers. A flat, broad surface creates a wide plane forpressure distribution that does not put excess pressure on any one pointin the hand. The longer handle also avoids hand and finger cramping andslipping that occurs with smaller, shorter handles that come withstandard crutches. Softer material also helps to cushion the weight thatis applied. The grip 500 is formed using molding material to form intothe shape of the inside grip of the hand. This was scanned into adigital image to allow this shape to be perfectly replicated.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the new ergonomic handle 500 with specialbrackets 502 attached to the structure as one embodiment. The structure552 between the two brackets is specifically designed to support theergonomic shape of the ergonomic grip 500. This new method helps withdesign challenges of proper and even ergonomic surface weight bearingsupport and shifting the weight bearing surface from main rod support instandard grips to outside of the rod support axis without losing thesufficient support needed in shifted weight bearing area. FIG. 7 is thesame as FIG. 6 from a different angle.

FIG. 8 shows a cane 560 designed with the inventive grip 500. Theupright support can be made from any material and color. The tip 519(bottom elastic part) can be removed and replaced with another tipoptimized for a particular surface as will be discussed in more detaillater. The height of the cane 560 is adjustable.

FIG. 9 is a forearm crutch with the inventive handle 500. Two straps 504adjacent to each side of the cuff 506 which can wrap around the user'sarm while placed in the cuff and come together in the front and connectby any means such as buttons or Velcro or other attachment to secure theforearm crutch to the arm of the user. Also, if the user needs to freetheir hand and let go of the grip for activities such as opening a door,the strap 504 will hold the crutch to their arm and prevent from fallingonto the ground or need of fetching the crutch again.

FIG. 10 shows a tread pattern 563 for the cane or crutch tip 519 whichallows for greater traction on slippery surfaces.

FIG. 11 shows a different forearm crutch design 570 where there is ahorizontal support 572 with a diagonal axis coming out of the uprightsupport 574 and bearing to the right. The grip 500 is then bearing tothe right. This new design helps with positioning the user's handaccording to the natural human hand position to prevent strains anddamages on carpal and other parts of the hand and arm.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-18 a first embodiment of a multifunctionalcane/crutch ambulatory assistance apparatus (520) is shown. Theapparatus 520 replaces the front support and handle of a walker 522. Inthe position (closed position) shown in FIG. 12 it provides additionalheight to the handle 521 of the walker 522 to prevent the user fromslouching that happens with standard walkers, and keep the body straightduring ambulation to prevent other side effects of unnatural positionand strains on shoulders, arm and spines. This FIG. (12) also shows amultipurpose pouch/seat 515 with a rectangular solid frame and 4 hooks525 in each corner (FIG. 13). The hooks 525 are hooked into the smallhoops 527 on each of 4 clips secured on the walker supports. Thisposition secures the pouch 515 vertically in order to place anybelonging into the pouch to keep them handy for the user during the useof the walker 522.

FIG. 13 shows the multifunctional pouch/seat 515. The pouch 515 couldinclude one or more pockets to support and hold items such as phone,wallet, pen, pad, etc. when is installed in vertical position. Thispouch 515 can be used as a seat of the walker 522 when unhooked from thetwo top hoops 527 and then hooked to the two hoops 527 in the backsupports. Once this change is done the pouch 515 can function as a seatfor the user to take a sit on it and rest as needed.

FIG. 14 shows the two parts crutch as the front upright of the walker522 in opened position. In this position the user can take advantage ofthe second function in which is a combination of handle for a hand gripand a under arm crutch to alleviate the user weight pressure and strainsover the shoulders, arms, wrist, hand and spine. This function turns twopoints support of two hand grips seen on a standard walker to four pointsupport consisting of two hand grip supports and two underarm supportsat the same time. The small lever in the front wheels can lock the wheelso it prevents the walker 522 from moving as needed in the well knownmanner.

FIG. 15 is an example of conventional walker 522 which has twomultifunctional canes 520. The inventive cane/ambulatory assistancedevice 520, can be used as a conventional cane but in accordance withone embodiment of the invention is attached to right and left sides ofthe walker which turns a conventional walker 522 to a multi-functionalone. This design has many advantages including:

a) Adjustable height for the walker handle to prevent slouching.

b) Can be detached to be used as a cane.

c) Can be opened as shown in FIG. 14 to provide handles and underarmcrutch with 4 points of body support.

FIG. 16 shows the open position of the cane 520 that provides 2 pointsof hand grip support for right and left hand in addition to extra 2points support of underarm crutch.

FIG. 17 shows the multifunctional ambulation device 520 by itself inopen position in which is this position can be used as a crutch. Howeverwhen closed can be used as cane, or when is installed on a walker can beused as an adjustable handle.

FIG. 18 showing a detail of the two parts 524, 526 of themultifunctional device 520 which can move relative to each other andadjust inside of the main support telescopically, that is adjacent tothe upper half of the handle 521 when the core support is pulled out ofthe body the adjacent top half 524 of the handle separates form thebottom half 526. Once the top part 524 is completely pulled out as shownin FIG. 17, the top 524 of the handle can be placed under arm as anunderarm support while the bottom part of the handle 526 stays in thesame place and can be used as a handle or grip.

FIG. 19 shows a crutch 600 designed for obese or people with larger hipto prevent unsafe angles of crutch positioning to the ground. This willallow the user 602 with abnormal body form to keep the crutch 600 closeto the body and perpendicular to the ground therefor creating a moreupright position which prevents slip of the crutch 600 to the sides andprovides more secure ambulation. This crutch 600 also can be designedand produced with different curvature to accommodate the different hipsize or specific body shape of a person. Both crutches 100, 600 have top610 and bottom 612 sections with the top 610 slidably receivable withinthe bottom.

FIG. 20 shows the crutch 600 modified so the top part 610 of the crutchcan be installed on a walker 522, in order to create 4 points ofsupport; 2 handle and 2 underarm supports for the user.

FIG. 21 shows the top part of the crutch 600 separated and installed ona walker 522 in order to create 4 points of support; 2 handle and 2underarm supports for the user.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show the handle 500 after a flexible and cushionovermold that can be made of gel or TPE or any other elastic or cushionmaterial is installed on it to create the utmost comfort by providing anatural position for human hand while using any kind.

FIGS. 24 and 26 show a comparison of the stresses on the 10 user's handof the handle 500 of the invention versus a conventional handle on theright side of the illustration. Stresses are highlighted by shading andbroken lines, so it can be seen that the conventional grip produces morestress than the handle 500 of the invention because of the angling andcontouring of the handle 500 as explained in detail above. FIGS. 25A-25Hshow the various shapes possible using the inventive molding techniqueas described above. FIG. 27 shows the handle 500 in use on a standardcrutch.

FIGS. 28 and 29 show a spring loaded tip 700 for a cane 702. The tip 700has an opening 710 for receiving a fitting 712, the fitting 712 sized toreceive the bare end 714 of the cane 702. The base 716 has a broadfootprint so as to ease walking on uneven or porous surfaces such asdirt, sand, or grass/vegetation. The spring portion 720 is in the formof a living hinge arrangement which allows weight transfer in rollingfashion from front to back. This action distributes loading on impactwith the walking surface to reduce shock which reduces carpal tunnelsyndrome and other undesirable effects of high impact ambulation.

Referring now to FIGS. 30, 31, 1, and 20 a base 800 for the top 610 orbottom 612 of crutch 100, 600 is shown. The base 800 can be used withthe top 610 portion to facilitate the exercises as discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 1-4. The base 800 includes two receiving sockets810 for receiving the vertical supports of the crutch 100, 600.

Any variations and any combinations of the above teachings are alsointended to be covered by this patent application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand grip for a crutch system, said crutchsystem including at least front and rear vertical support polesextending downwardly to ground from an armpit rest, said front and rearpoles positioned within a single vertical plane, the hand gripcomprising: a main body with opposing end portions, a first end portionconnected to said front support pole and a second end portion connectedto said rear support pole, said hand grip having a curved profile sothat a portion of said hand grip lies outside of the plane of said frontand rear support poles; said main body formed of an inner ribbed coresurrounded by a pliable material.
 2. The hand grip of claim 1 whereinthe curved profile is adjusted in curvature in response to measurementfrom a user.
 3. The hand grip of claim 1 wherein said ribbed core iscomposed of high-density acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
 4. Thehand grip of claim 1 wherein said main body has a front portion and arear portion, said front portion terminating at said first end portionand said rear portion terminating at said second end portion; said frontand rear portions both extending angularly outwardly from said verticalplane to form said curved profile.
 5. The hand grip of claim 1 whereinsaid hand grip has a central portion positioned between said front andrear portions, said central portion offset relative to a central pointbetween said front and rear support poles.
 6. The hand grip of claim 1wherein said hand grip has a non-rectangular cross section.
 7. The handgrip of claim 1 wherein a top surface of said hand grip is sufficientlywide to accommodate a user's thumb and forefinger.